Rhodochrosite w/ rare associations (Fioravanti Coll.)

Item Description

An impressive, large rhodochrosite crystal vug lies in a rich sulfide ore vein with uncommon to rare mineral association species from the famous Sunnyside Mine. The lustrous, translucent, rose-red rhombs reach 1.5 cm on the diagonal. The vug is lined with rare pseudomorphs of creamy, granular quartz after anhydrite blades. The layered, rich sulfide ore matrix includes zoned black sphalerite crystals with translucent, yellow-green cores, scattered rare galena crystals, lots of uncommon bright brass-yellow pyrite crystals, more rhodochrosite and quartz. This large, outstanding and rare combination piece displays superbly from two directions without aid. Ex Giancarlo Fioravanti Collection and purchased from the Siber Collection in 1974, while the mine was still in operation. valued $1200-1500, at a minimum.